Thanjavur Sugar Farmers Demand Rate Hikes and Drought Relief Amid Water Scarcity
Cultivators from the Arignar Anna Cooperative Sugar Mill staged protests on Tuesday demanding higher crop prices and government intervention. The group sought immediate financial incentives and a halt to Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project.
Price Hikes and Financial Deadlines
Farmers associated with the Arignar Anna Cooperative Sugar Mill in Kurunkulam, Thanjavur, mobilized on Tuesday to voice specific economic demands. Led by P. Ramasamy, president of the Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Cultivators Association, the group called for ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane and ₹3,500 per quintal for paddy. Protesters emphasized the need for the Tamil Nadu government to finalize and distribute sugarcane incentives before October 2026.
The Cauvery Crisis and Dam Opposition
Regional water security remained a central grievance during the demonstrations. The association insisted that the Union and State governments intervene to prevent Karnataka from moving forward with the Mekedatu dam project. Furthermore, they demanded that Karnataka, as the upper riparian state, adhere to the Cauvery Tribunal Final Award and release water accordingly. The lack of river flow has stalled agricultural operations across the region.
Requests for Drought Declaration and Debt Relief
During a concurrent Revenue Divisional-level agriculture grievance meeting, local farmers highlighted the severity of the current season. They urged the state to officially designate the delta districts as drought-hit areas to trigger compensation payments. Because of the halted production caused by water shortages, cultivators also requested the Central government to waive outstanding loans held with nationalized banks. Participants.
- Demanded Sugarcane Price: ₹4,500 per tonne
- Demanded Paddy Price: ₹3,500 per quintal
- Action required: Stop Mekedatu dam construction
- Financial request: Nationalized bank loan waivers
Source: The Hindu — Cities
